So, I’ve been on a loving touch spree for the past week or actually over two weeks. I didn’t read the fine print in my “How to Train a Wild Elephant” book. Use loving hands and a loving touch, even with inanimate objects. I inadvertently skipped over the P.S. so I decided to do this exercise over. Last ...
Review “Juno” (TimeLine Theatre): Tis Grand(y) Altogether
Timeline Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of JUNO. This is only the second musical produced in Timeline’s history. Knowing the critics shut down the 1959 Broadway premiere after 16 performances, JUNO is a gutsy choice for Timeline. The company is new to musicals. The musical is new to Chicago. The story, based on the play Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey, ...
The Blonde Advantage
The Roaring 20s Book Club met on Wednesday to discuss our latest read, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” It was written by Anita Loos . She gave birth to the character of Lorelei while on a train. Loos, a screenwriter, was traveling with a Hollywood crew. She observed that despite her small frame, she was allowed to lug ...
Review “How to Succeed” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Infectious Fun
Porchlight Music Theatre presents HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. Initially, I wondered if this 1961 Award-winning musical was outdated. A guy goes from the mailroom to the executive wing in a wink and a jingle. Even for a musical, the shtick was over-the-top buffoonery. My skepticism started waning during the musical number Coffee Break. By Paris ...
I don’t want my soul spiraling in frozen fractals
Although Serenity April was overall calming, these last few days were a little dicey. I had some flickers of irritation. I even had trouble finding stillness at yoga today. My mind wanted to race back to an unpleasant exchange earlier in the day. I like to blame the negative weather but the responsibility is the ...
Review “Lay Me Down Softly” (Seanachai Theatre): Best Jabs in Act 1
Seanachai Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of LAY ME DOWN SOFTLY. Playwright Billy Roche gives us ringside seats to his deconstruction of a makeshift family. Set in 1960s Ireland, Roche’s touring circus features a rifle arcade, a fortune teller and bumper cars. The main attraction is a boxing ring where locals can nightly challenge the champ. Roche ...
Make mine a double
I did a double yesterday. I worked the brunch and the dinner shift at Wood. I did it for a variety of reasons. One, Brian’s work/school/internship life requested a break. So, I wanted to help him out. Second, I have some planned summer activities that require extra cash. The reason I’ve been serving or bartending ...
Chicago *IS* my kind of town
Last night, I went from a play to a party. It reminded me how lucky I am to live in a big city. Joe’s 40th shin-dig was on the 43rd floor. The place had a fantastical view of downtown. It was on Lake Shore Drive and at the tip of Lincoln Park so the view ...
Inanimate respect
I’ve been lovingly touching folks all week. It was this week’s “How to Train a Wild Elephant” challenge ...or so I thought. In my haste and tunnel vision, I read what I wanted to read. I am a strong proponent of touching people with positive energy. I hug, pat, tap, grasp with zest. I like ...
Review “A View From The Bridge” (Teatro Vista): Nostalgic and Timeless
Teatro Vista presents A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Playwright Arthur Miller sets his obsessive love triangle on the 1950’s waterfront. Near the Brooklyn Bridge, the Red Hook neighborhood is home to longshoremen. Eddie Carbone (played with distinction by Ramon Camin) works hard on the docks. He likes to come home to a cold beer and the two ...